The Philadelphia Phillies activated first baseman Jim Thome off the 15-day disabled list prior to Saturday's 7-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The veteran slugger started in the designated hitter role and went 1-for-4. Thome, who had missed the previous 19 games because of a strained lower back, has been struggling this season. The 34-year-old veteran is batting just .205 with one homer and 12 RBI in 24 games. To make room for Thome, the Phillies optioned first baseman Ryan Howard to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The much touted power-hitting prospect hit just .214 with one homer while driving in one run in 12 contests with Philadelphia. The Phillies currently sit in last place of the NL East with a 20-24 record.